An address delivered before the Massachusetts Society for the Suppression of Intemperance : June, 1826

AN

ADDRESS

DELIVERED BEFORE THE

MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY

Suppression of Mttmptvmtt<

JUNE, 1826.
By GAMALIEL BRADFORD, m.d

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BOSTON,

PRINTED FOR THE SOciB-T-V-

ISAAC R. BUTTS AND CO. PRINTERS.

CONGRESS STREET.

1826.

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That any man should place so little value upon that
quality, which principally distinguishes him from a brute,
as to be willing and even eager to suspend its exercise
for a considerable portion of his life, is most remarkable.
That he should for this purpose continually run the risk
of sudden destruction, and certainly entail upon himself
a series of painful and loathsome diseases, is still more
extraordinary. That such infatuation, instead of being
confined to a single insane individual, should be so wide
spreading, as to endanger the well-being of society, and
to call out its energies in opposition to it, would appear
at first sight incredible. It is a melancholy considera-
tion, that the phenomenon, like many others, has ceased
to be wonderful, because it is a matter of every day ex-
perience. A single intemperate individual in a genera-
tion, would be regarded as a monstrous deviation from
the ordinary rules of conduct ; we see thousands, and
cease to be astonished.

As the surprise, which the practice of intemperance
would seem to demand, is diminished, so the dread and
aversion, with which it should be regarded, becomes

less decided. We learn to look upon instances of this
kind, not indeed with complacency, but too often with
carelessness. It is useful therefore at times, to call the
attention of the public to the consideration of the folly,
danger, and horrible consequences. of this practice.

It is unnecessary, as it would be useless, for me to at-
tempt to describe these. There are many common
natural scenes, which the judicious painter never attempts
to represent ; they are always degraded on canvas. It
is the same in morals. I could not use any language,
which would not fall short of the effect of the common
and every day horrors of intemperance. I have only to
call on you to reflect upon what you have seen, and to
fix your eyes upon this subject, instead of turning them
away. The examples are all around you. You have
only to think of them and shudder.

It is impossible, indeed, to reflect upon the extent and
effects of this practice, without feeling a strong desire to
take some measures to suppress it ; there are few
vices, to which the general feeling of the community is
more decidedly hostile ; though it is to be lamented,
that from many causes, this hostility has not been so ef-
fectual as could be wished. One reason for this, as I
shall endeavour to show more fully hereafter, is, that it
is excited usually only by extreme and hopeless cases.

A sense of the necessity of some exertion in opposi-
tion to the progress of intemperance, has led to the for-
mation of various associations for this purpose. From
such associations some have expected great, sudden, and
easily observable effects, while others, on the contrary,
have regarded the attempt as hopeless, and our societies,
as instances of moral quixotism. Both extremes, as

usual, are erroneous. From the efforts of societies, or
individuals, gradual results can alone be expected ; yet
it is to be remembered, that these results are in their
nature cumulative. The influence of good principles
may ; by constant and judicious efforts, be made to resem-
ble the circles of disturbed water, continually expanding
and involving more and more within their limits.

Not to go over the obvious and generally admitted ad-
vantages of societies in comparison with individual efforts,
it is sufficient to observe that the members secure them-
selves, at least in a great measure, from the evil, by thus
publicly pledging themselves to a particular course of
conduct. They add to the sanctions of reason and con-
science, that of the opinion of the world, which has too
often more power than either. The practical moralist,
however, is to take man as he finds him, and will act most
reasonably and successfully, by taking into consideration,
not merely the motives, by which men ought to be di-
rected, but also those, by which they may and will be
governed.

In the view of the subject of intemperance, which I
shall take on this occasion, I hope to have the concur-
rence of a large portion of the deliberate and judicious
members of society. I shall not be ambitious either of
eloquence or novelty. The former, if it were in my
power, would be unnecessary, where it is not so desira-
ble to be enthusiastic, as to be reasonable. To attempt
novelty would be hopeless. The ground has been often
trod, the community have had line upon line and precept
upon precept. " We preach forever," but 1 hope not
altogether " in vain." Doubtless the greater part of the

seed sown on these occasions falls by the wayside ; but
1*

some may be received into good ground, and the attempt
will not be without its reward.

What can we do towards reforming those, who have
already acquired intemperate habits, or towards prevent-
ing others from acquiring such habits ? In regard to the
first, little or nothing. The experience of almost every
one who now hears me, must have long ago pressed
home upon his heart the melancholy conviction, that
such cases are past cure. There is a charity, which
hopeth all things, and believeth all things ; and there have
been cases, in which reformation has been effected, in
opposition to all ordinary rules of calculation, and almost,
as it would seem, by a special interposition of Provi-
dence ; but these are exceptions to one of the best estab-
lished doctrines of moral agency. The usual effect of
the body upon mind and will is only influence ; but this
influence in certain diseased states of the system strength-
ens into government. Reason in the habitually intempe-
rate has dropped the reins, and resigned the mind to the
absolute control of matter. The drunkard has relinquish-
ed his free agency. Instead of being governed by mo-
tives, he is obliged to obey the dictates of a blind instinct,
or bodily craving, and his actions may be calculated on
with as much certainty as those of brute animals.

But though the attempt to reform the habitually in-
temperate will always be regarded as one of the most
unpromising, it appears to me that much may be done
towards diminishing the evils of this practice, whether
those, which relate only to the individual, or those, which
concern society at large.

A confirmed drunkard is to be looked upon as an insane
person, for such he unquestionably is. He may have lucid

intervals, in common with many other unhappy individuals
of this class ; hut there is no reason, why he should not on
the whole, he considered and treated precisely like these.
But we build public hospitals and establish private asy-
lums for the insane, and they are confined and caused to
exercise, to work, or take medicine, as the judgment
of the superintendents may direct. The same practice
might be pursued with the intemperate. A Hospital,
or Asylum for this class of persons would be a noble
charity. It ought not to be a bridewell, a work-house,
or a place of punishment, for this would defeat its own
object. The patients might indeed and ought to engage
in some works, for the sake of exercise. But the esta-
blishment should be considered and regulated as a re-
ceptacle for unfortunate persons, who are unable to take
proper care of themselves. It is quite unnecessary to
go into the details of this plan, or dwell on the good ef-
fects of it. These will readily suggest themselves to the
judicious. It is sufficient to observe that many would be
willing to send a friend to be cured or protected, who
would never consent to have him punished. And the
public moreover would gradually learn to consider intem-
perance, as a disease or misfortune. A view, which I
am persuaded would be more effectual in the way of pre-
vention, than that which regards it merely as a fault.
Many a man will dare the censure, few are willing to in-
cur the pity of the world.

Such an establishment would certainly do something,
towards remedying the evils of intemperance, and it is
possible that it might effect a reformation in a few indi-
viduals.

If, however, we had nothing to do, but with those whose

8

habits are confirmed, the evil would not be so serious,
for it would be of short duration. For though there are
instances of constitutions, which resist for a considerable
period, the destructive effects of ardent spirits, yet any
man's experience will enable him to perceive, that the
ranks of the drunkards would be rapidly thinned, if they
were never recruited, and that it would require but a
few years' patience, to see them swept from the earth.
The most important object of the society, therefore, as
well as of the public, is to consider the means, which
may prevent the spread of this moral contagion.

These are most readily perceived, by considering the
causes of intemperance in this country. One of the most
obvious is the comparative cheapness of ardent spirits.
This cause is acknowledged and generally regretted, but
no effectual attempts appear yet to have been made to
remove it. On the contrary, the financial regulations of
the United States, have been calculated to increase its
effect, by diminishing the quantity and enhancing the
price of those liquors, which are naturally opposed to
the prevalence of spirits. 1 mean the wines. A taste
for good wines of any kind, but more especially a taste
for the lighter wines in summer is far more natural, or
more easily acquired than one for spirits, and is very
much opposed to one for spirits of an indifferent quality,
as all cheap domestic spirits must necessarily be. But
those who cannot afford wine, will soon learn to drink
spirits ; and the taste, once acquired, can with difficulty
be destroyed. There is hardly any financial regulation,
which, considered either in an economical, political, or mo-
ral view, is more to be deplored, than that which imposes
a high duty upon wines. It is the duty of every one to

exert his influence against these duties, and it is devout-
ly to be hoped, that the good sense of our legislature,
will at last abolish them. Let those who are tenacious
of the revenues, and believe that the treasury is filled by
high imposts, transfer these from wines to foreign spirits,
and though it may be doubted whether the public funds,
would be much benefited by the change, there can be
little doubt, of its good effect on the happiness, the mo-
rals, and the strength of the nation.

I do not mean to imply that persons may not become
intemperate in the use of wines. But it is well known,
that gross and brutal sottishness is comparatively rare,
where wine is the ordinary drink of the community.
Moreover, the effects of excesses in this particular, are
far less destructive to the constitution than those with
ardent spirits — and we should be willing to risk a small
evil for the sake of removing a greater, remembering
also, that it would be quixotic to attempt to confine man-
kind to water, or herb teas.

The remarks hitherto made have related to the active
measures of the society, to what is expedient to be done.
I believe it is much more important to consider what
ought to be avoided, and among the principal circum-
stances in this point of view, and one which may be re-
garded as an important cause of intemperance is the
prevalence of certain false notions in society concerning
the occasional use and necessity of ardent spirits. It has
been taken almost for granted, that a limited quantity of
spirit was necessary to the laborious, and useful to the
feeble, and under the form of Huxham's tincture, Stough-
ton's elixir and the like, many persons and even children
have learned to swallow drams without scruple, and even
with the belief of their being advantageous.

10

This pernicious notion has occasionally been encour-
aged by physicians, who have thereby done much injury
to the community. This, indeed, is not to be imputed to
them as a crime, since it is only a mistake in judgment,
and* one for which there is much authority. The progress
of science and observation, however, is fast removing
this prejudice, and physicians now are much more cau-
tious in recommending articles of this sort, and confine
their use to particular states of the system.

It has long been an opinion that in hot climates, and in
the heat of summer in our own, it is necessary to oppose
the debilitating effects of high temperature by the stimu-
lus of spirit, and that this was preventive of the diseases
of such seasons. No maxim can be more directly oppos-
ed to reason and experience, and on this important sub-
ject I shall take the liberty of quoting from one of the
later medical authors, who have borne testimony against
the practice.

" However necessary," says Dr. Johnson, in his essay
on the influence of tropical climates, " However neces-
sary this practice might have been thought thirty years
ago, it is now considered not only unnecessary but dis-
graceful ; and that in no respectable circle in the Eastern
world, beyond the confines of the Punch house, where
no European of character will ever be seen, is any gently
stimulating liquid made use of between meals ; and I
take this opportunity of warning every new-comer, that
the very call of " brandy-shrub pauny" will endanger his
being marked as a person to be avoided.

" Nor did these most excellent habits of temperance ori-
ginate in any medical precepts, or admonitions, — far from
it. The professional adviser was by no means solicitous

11

to inculcate a doctrine, which it might not suit his taste
to practice. But in a vast empire, held hy the frail
tenure of opinion and especially, where the current of
religious prejudices, Brahmin as well as Moslem, ran
strongly against intoxication, it was scon found necessa-
ry, from imperious motives of policy, rather than of
health, to discourage every tendency towards the acqui-
sition of such dangerous habits. Happily what was pro-
motive of our interest, was preservative of our health,
as well as conducive to our happiness. And the general
temperance in this respect, which now characterizes the
Anglo Asiatic circles of society, as contrasted with An-
glo West Indian manners must utterly confound those
fine spun theories, which the votaries of gently stimulat-
ing liquids, have invented about supporting perspiration,
keeping us the tone of the digestive organs, &c. all
which experience has proved to be not only ideal, but
pernicious.

" I can conceive only one plausible argument, which
the transatlantic Brunonian can adduce, in support of
his doctrine, after the unwelcome evidence, which I have
brought forward respecting oriental customs ; namely,
that as the range of atmospherical heat in the West In-
dies, is several degrees below that of the East, it may be
necessary to counterbalance this deficit of external heat,
by the more assiduous application of internal stimulus.
For this hint, he will, no doubt, be much obliged to me,
as he must consider the argument irresistible."

The same principles will apply to our own climate in
the summer, and to an error in this particular are to be
ascribed a large portion of the sudden deaths, which oc-
cur at this period, and which are usually ascribed to the

12

effects of an agent, which often plays but a second part
in this operation, that is, cold water. I do not mean to
deny, that death occasionally happens from drinking
water, when the system is in a state of high excitation, —
but this very state is the dangerous one, and this, in
ninety-nine cases out of an hundred, is produced by spirit.

On this point, of the use and necessity of ardent spirits,
I am happy to be able to produce evidence, which, while
it shows the falsehood of prevailing opinions, is uncom-
monly free from any suspicion of partiality. I refer to
the practice of the trainers of Great Britain, whose busi-
ness it is to prepare men for pugilistic combats.

Physicians in their recommendations, are li We to be
biassed by regard to the wishes and prejudices of their
patients, and to be deceived by their representations ;
while individuals are still more liable to deceive them-
selves concerning the effects of medicinal, or dietetic
courses of conduct. These trainers, on the contrary are
troubled with no scruples. They treat their subjects, as
they would horses, cows, or even steam engines. Tastes
and feelings are nothing to them. Their sole object is to
give the machines, upon which they are operating, the
greatest force and power of endurance, physical and
mental, of which their constitutions are capable. And
what is the result to which their experience has led
them. Some even in this assembly will probably be as-
tonished to learn, that spirit in every form is r gidly pro-
hibited. Beer is the usual drink, but not the strongest
kind; and even wine is very sparingly allowed, and that
only to particular individuals. They never deceive
themselves with the idea, that bark, cordials, or spirit
can give muscular power. Experience has taught the

13

direct contrary, and they rigidly interdict the use of these
debilitating agents.

I may make use of the experience of the trainers
against another false and injurious notion, namely, that it
is always dangerous to leave off, at once, the use of spir-
its. There are, undoubtedly, a few deplorable cases in
which the stamina of vitality have been so completely
destroyed by intemperance, that a miserable death is the
result of abstinence from the usual stimulus. In these
cases however life is shortened but little. It is only
when death is staring the wretch in the face, that the
attempt to escape drives him into his embraces. The
question is rather, shall he be killed by liquor, or by the
want of it. A question of a day, or an hour, not of life
and death.

But these are exceptions. In general we are taught by
the trainers, that there is no risk ; they make short work
with their subjects and remove their habitual stimulus,
without fear of the consequences.

I do not dwell on the practice in these instances ; it is
necessarily connected with certain odious associations.
The facts are sufficient for me to take decided ground
on this subject, and to call on the members of this soci-
ety, and the public generally, to join in a sweeping de-
nunciation of spirituous liquors, as articles of daily use,
even in what is called moderation. There are cases of
disease, in which henbane, hellebore, mercury, copperas,
and other virulent poisons are useful ; but would any man
in his senses think of using himself, or encouraging in
others, in an ordinary state of health, the use of these
articles ? And why should we wish to poison ourselves
with spirit, because its effect is less sudden, or requires
2

14

a larger dose. No ! The place for the bottle of brandy,
or rum, is on the apothecaries' shelf, by the side of the
bottles of arsenic and opium, and thither we should la-
bour to banish it.

But the great obstacle to any effectual suppression of
intemperance, is to be found in the encouragement afford-
ed by the language and customs of society in general, to
the limited use of ardent spirits. Notwithstanding, as I
have observed above, that the feeling of the community
in general is hostile to drunkenness ; we are apt to hold
language in regard to the practice of drinking spirits,
which is very different from what would be dictated by
reason and good judgment.

How few persons are there, who do not occasionally
speak of the moderate use of spirit, as a comfortable
thing, and regard it at most, as a habit of little or no
consequence. How many smile, when they should look
grave, as they see a man swallowing, with apparent sat-
isfaction, this pernicious liquid. We do more than this.
We make an allowance of spirit a part of the regular
wages of workmen, and have no hesitation about offering
it as a compliment, or piece of politeness, to them. We
go still further, and encourage it by example, for there
are perhaps few, who now hear me, who do not occasion-
ally take a glass of brandy, or some other liquor, either
alone, or with a friend. But every act of this kind is
injurious to society, since it goes, to a certain extent, to
influence public opinion in favour of this practice, and it
behoves every man to remember, that in so doing, he is
helping to break down the most. efficient barrier agains-t
this vice.

Whenever it is generally considered disreputable, for

15

a man in health to drink ardent spirits, we shall have few
drunkards. There will he some doubtless, as society
will never be free from the foolish and vicious ; but their
orgies will be conducted more or less secretly. Men will
be disposed to indulge their inclinations privately, and
the young, especially, will learn to look upon such in-
dulgence as a cause of shame, instead of glory. Many
now swallow potions, which are positively disagreeable,
and labour too successfully to acquire a taste, which is
to give them credit with their companions. But to all
this there would be an end, if the majority of mankind
looked, as they should, upon any such undertaking with
sincere pity and contempt. I am aware that in this par-
ticular, we are improving, that the use of spirits is much
diminished among the more respectable classes of the
community, and that correct notions are gradually ex-
tending their influence ; hut society has yet many steps to
take in this course.

It is in this way, that I believe the most can be done
towards the suppression of intemperance. It is here,
that every individual has it in his power to lend a help-
ing hand, and I entreat every one, who now hears me,
seriously to reflect upon the thousand daily opportunities
he has of exerting an influence in this way. The course
is not difficult. I would not have any one go about rail-
ing against ardent spirits, being instant out of season,
and offending his neighbours and acquaintance, with
sneers against their weakness and folly. No such thing.
You are called on merely to withdraw your assistance
from the cause of intemperance. Not to volunteer re-
proof, but to refrain from encouragement. If every
person now present, were to cease from this moment to

16

purchase, or consume, ardent spirit in any form, as art
article of diet, or to offer it to his workmen, or friends,
as a refreshment ; if he were, moreover, to abstain from
treating the use of it as a harmless luxury, and was care-
ful never to sanction, by his acquiescence, any opinion
advanced in its favour. — If, I repeat, every man in this
assembly were to pursue such a course, if he did, or said,
nothing more, the effect upon society would be very
considerable. Almost every one will perceive what a
different direction would be given to his influence.

But such a course is wise and prudent in every point
of view ; whether we regard it as a duty to God, to our
neighbour, or ourselves. It is one of those courses in
which duty is most evidently and immediately connected
with happiness. Those of you, who take no pleasure in
drinking ardent spirits, are called upon to save your time,
your health, and your money, by ceasing to do, what is
more, or less disagreeable. Those who do take pleasure
in this practice, and are unwilling to make the sacrifice,
are called on to consider, whether it is not even now be-
yond your power. No reasonable person can consider
himself secure, who reflects for a moment on the good
sense, judgment, and talents, which have from time to
time fallen a sacrifice to this insidious enemy. Let us
then no longer blow hot and cold with the same breath ;
and while we condemn intemperance in general, continue
to wink at it in particular instances ; — instead of talking,
let us be doing, and we may lament the prevalence of
this evil, with the better grace, while we are doing what
is in our power to prevent it. " First, put your own shoul-
der to the wheel," says Hercules to the waggoner of the
fable, " and then you may pray to me for assistance,"

ANNUAL REPORT

OF THE

BOARD OF COUNSEL

OF THE

MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY

•Suppression of Kntemptrance,

The Board of Counsel in meeting the Society upon this,
their fourteenth anniversary, are happy to have it in then-
power to offer their congratulations upon the increased
interest, which has heen manifested hy the community at
large during the past year, in their purposes and objects.
This interest, although exhibited more particularly in
this vicinity, has not been confined to any particular dis-
trict of the country. In every quarter, there have been
indications of a growing attention to the subject. These
indications are found in the public papers, in the conver-
sation of intelligent persons, in discourses delivered from
the pulpit, in the formation of Societies, and in the pa-
tronage, which has been given to publications, having for
their object the prevention of intemperance. It would
seem as if the public was beginning to awaken to a
sense of the enormity of the vice, of the magnitude of
the evil, and of the disgrace, which its continuance must
bring upon us. More particularly it appears an occasion
of congratulation, that the attention of Congress has at
2*

18

length been directed to the subject of an excise upon
domestic spirits ; and that in the report presented at the
last session, by a committee, the chairman of which has
been a constant advocate for adopting measures for sup-
pressing Intemperance, particular reference is had to the
effect, which this method of raising a revenue is calcu-
lated to have upon the morals and habits of the communi-
ty. And although it is not probable that this measure can
be immediately carried into operation, nor its expediency
become immediately apparent to all, yet the single cir-
cumstance of its becoming a matter of discussion, on
this ground, affords rational hope, that it will be brought
about gradually, as soon perhaps as is desirable for its
permanency and general utility.

The Board have been informed upon good authority,
that a resolution has been entered into by the Fraternity
of Free Masons, in one of the internal counties of this
state, to exclude all intemperate persons from their
lodges, and to discontinue the practice of introducing
ardent spirits as a refreshment at their meetings. It is in
the power of this Society, whose avowed object is be-
nevolent, and which professes to train men to virtu-
ous and honourable actions, to exercise a vast influence
upon the community, by following universally the exam-
ple which has been thus given them, and decidedly ex-
cluding both Intemperance and the means of Intempe-
rance from their fellowship.

It appears to the Board, that it is in vain to inculcate
lessons of temperance upon the poorer, and the labour-
ing classes of society, until some change is produced in
the habits and modes of thinking of the better informed

19

classes. It is not intended to insinuate, that the latter
are addicted generally to an injurious use of ardent
spirits, but it is a fact that they are in every man's
house, and upon every man's table ; that they are regard-
ed as a necessary article of household use ; that the
offer of them to visiters is thought no more than a pro-
per act of civility. Now the labourer goes to them ori-
ginally with precisely the same feelings, as his superior.
He goes into the dram-shop, just as the gentleman goes
to his liquor case. He invites his companion in with
him, to treat him, just as the other compliments his
friend, when he calls upon him at his house. But the
one is upon his guard, the other is not. The one can
foresee consequences, and has a tender regard for his
reputation, the other has not. The one has other
sources of enjoyment and indulgence, reading and con-
versation ; rich food and delicate wines ; the other has
this only resource.

Now as example operates more powerfully than pre-
cept, and as the habits of the lower classes will be
mainly those of the upper, the only course by which a
decided effect can be produced is, by a sacrifice on the
part of the influential portion of society, of their habits,
innocent possibly in themselves, with respect to the use
of ardent spirits. The impression produced would be,
probably, very great, if the use of spirituous liquors were
to be entirely dropt by a very considerable portion of
the most respectable members of any community. This
would at once be a serious and a perfectly intelligible ap-
peal. If the rich man advises his poorer neighbours to
drink no spirit, but confine themselves to beer, cider and

20

molasses and water ; and at the same time displays upon
his tahle, for the entertainment of his friends — a variety of
the choicest wines, and the most aged and costly brandies,
his advice goes but for little. But if when the rich ad-
vise the poor, they follow up their advice with the re-
linquishment of their own habits of indulgence, the effect
will be decidedly very great.

The question then arises, how are we to produce a
combination for this purpose ? It is not to be expected
that it can at first be made universal, or very general.
We must be contented with limited beginnings. The
only important point is to make it complete as far as it
goes. The importance of the object is such as to make
it worthy of attention by associations, not formed for
this specific purpose. Indeed, it would seem proper to
recommend it to all societies instituted for benevolent or
religious purposes, as an incidental object of attention.
This mode appears better than that of associations form-
ed for this particular object, because such associations,
from a deficiency in objects of sufficient interest to occupy
their attention as matters of business, become trouble-
some and uninteresting, and fall into decay.

The Board would suggest to the consideration of the
Society, whether a call might not be made with much
propriety upon Professors of Religion as a body, to stand
forth at first as the file-leaders in such an undertaking.
They form a Society, permanent in its nature, pervading
all parts of our country and of the community, united by
a common interest, and a common feeling, and bound by
their profession to be ready for any reasonable sacrifice
for the promotion of faith, holiness, and virtue among
men.

21

It may be emphatically recommended to all churches
of Christ of every denomination, that they associate
among themselves for the purpose of discouraging by
their own example, all use of ardent spirits. Let each
individual enter into an agreement, not to keep in his
house, never to use himself, and never to offer to his
friends any spirituous liquor of any kind ; nor upon any
occasion.

There would be a great moral weight in an example
of this kind, held out by so large a mass of respectable,
and conscientious men ; the attention of society would
be at once attracted by such a project, and the
thoughts of mankind would immediately be actively en-
gaged upon the general subject. It would be glorious
also to the church of Christ and highly honourable to
religion itself, for such an undertaking to spring up so
directly from the influence of Christianity.

It is better to make such an appeal to a definite body,
to a society of limited extent — than to society at large.
General appeals are commonly disregarded. Particular
ones, it is more difficult to resist. If such a project
should be acted upon, it would soon come to be a mat-
ter of course among professors of religion to abstain
from all drinking as scrupulously as they abstain from
profanity, or lying, or gaming. The plan might then be
extended, and other individuals be invited to join in it,
as circumstances appeared to render it expedient.

As another measure of a similar character, it may be
recommended to ministers of religion, as a body, to dis-
courage the use of ardent spirits as a family article, or
as a necessary entertainment on social occasions. It

22

should be particularly enforced upon them as a measure
of no inconsiderable influence, by way of example, that,
upon all public occasions, in which they bear a conspicu-
ous part, and which are usually accompanied by some
sort of entertainment or refreshment, ardent spirits of all
kinds should be systematically excluded. Such occa-
sions are ordinations, associations of ministers, meetings
of societies, &c. It is believed to be no uncommon
thing previous to the religious exercises on such occa-
sions that liquors of all kinds are freely partaken of by
those who are to be immediately engaged in the most
impressive and holy duties. It is not to be understood
that we refer to any thing like excess, nor is it intended
as a matter of reproach. Ministers do but enter with-
out reflection into the customs and practices of the
community to which they belong. '

It will be perceived that in the suggestions offered by
this Board, the general discouragement of all use of
ardent spirits in respectable society is intended to be
urged. This is held to be a preliminary step of very
great, if not of essential importance, and is one which
has hitherto been almost wholly overlooked. The dis-
tinct object to be held up is gradually to make even the
moderate habitual use of ardent spirits not respectable,
not decent. It is to be proscribed among moral and re-
ligious people as we would proscribe swearing or lying.
Reformation must begin at the top of society, and not at
the bottom We cannot induce uninformed and undis-
criminating persons in humble life to forego their ex-
cesses, which, let it be remembered, they do not consider
as excesses, unless we relinquish ourselves habits, which.

23

however different in reality, they regard as essentially
the same with their own.

It may he said that we should not proscribe and banish
an article from moderate and innocent use, because it is
liable to abuse. It may be answered with perfect truth,
that society cannot use it without its being abused by
some individuals. Individuals, perhaps the majority of
the persons constituting a community, may use it temper-
ately ; but there will be others, wherever it is used, who
will use it to excess. It is a necessary consequence of
its introduction at all, and the temperate and prudent
must be willing to make the sacrifice of banishing it for
the sake of their weaker brethren.

And this sacrifice will, after all, be, except in imagina-
tion, extremely small. It is not intended to deny that
there may be some diseases, and some particular states
of constitution, which require the use of ardent spirits,
as a medicine. Yet, if physicians are to be believed,
these cases are very few. To those who enjoy good
health and good appetites, it can really be but a small
privation to abstain from spirituous liquors ; and as to their
use as refreshment, as articles for public or social enter-
tainment, it were a gross libel upon the bounties of na-
ture, and the provisions of a kind providence, to assert
that man must have recourse to the pernicious process
of distillation, to extort from the innocent and whole-
some fruits of the earth, a deleterious and unnatural pro-
duct, wherewith to entertain his friends. It seems little
less than sacrilege, while the various esculent grains and
a thousand delicious fruits are spread over the earth, af-
fording us at once wholesome food and drink sufficiently

/

24

exhihrating, to pervert them by art from their -"Hginal

design to purposes of destruction ; and at the same time

transform the very star! of life into an instrurm it of

death.

JOHN WARE, )

WM JENKS, } Comm>Vcc

HENRY WARE, S

MASSACHUSETTS SOCIETY FOR THE ?.

FRESSION OF INTESSFERANCi!.

Officers elected June 5, 1826.

Hon. ISAAC PARKER, President.

Rev. Dr Porter, )
" " Jenks, > Vice Presidents.
" " Abbott, )

Hon. Nathan Dane,
Rev. Charles Lowell,
" Henry Ware, Jr.

Mr Lewis Tappan, , ^ „

Rr* c> /-> . > Counsellors.

ev. E. S. Gannett,

Mr Benjamin Seaver,

Rev. Mr Going,

Mr J. P. Blanchard,

Dr John Ware, Secretary,
Mr Levi Bartlett, Treasurer.